CONGA ID (Let the forum pros help you identify a drum)
Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 4:46 pmSeems obvious with the number of "Can anybody ID this conga?" posts cropping up on CongaSet and Accessories that we need a CONGA ID posting thread. Have at it!
Can anyone give me an idea of what make conga the photo below might be? I ran across this particular one on ebay. Here's the link with more photos: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Wood-Red-Conga-Drum-Rare-Collectible-Handmade-Cuban-Cuba-/140653490073?pt=Vintgae_Drums_Percussion&hash=item20bf99ef99 . The reason I ask is, I used to have one identical to this. Same exact hardware (down to the slotted screw heads), same number of bands. The ad says that this one is 28.5" w/ an 11" head. The head sounds right, but I kind of remember mine being a little taller. I got mine back in 1969 in a trade w/ someone. Mine was black. Another friend and I used to lend each other instruments back and forth from time to time, but after I moved from Chicago in '86, I lost track of him. I really loved that drum, but really never knew a make/model. There were no other markings.
Is the hardware on this one fairly common on a drum that old? Could it be just a handmade one? When I saw the photos on ebay, and saw the pic of the bottom with a missing chunk and the wood inside, it brought back the smell of the wood to me.
Anyway, just wondering if anyone might be able to shed some light on it for me. I'd almost be interested in getting THAT one, except for the damaged bottom.
Here's a screen cap, in case it gets sold before I get an answer.